Sr. Benefit Specialist

Elementis PLC; New Jersey; On-site; USD 95,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Elementis PLC in the United States is seeking a Sr. Benefit Specialist to lead design, analysis, and administration of US employee benefits including health, retirement, wellness, and related programs.

This strategic role partners with senior management, brokers, and providers to optimize programs, ensure compliance, and deliver high-quality, timely benefits support to employees and management across sites. Travel up to 10% may be required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related discipline.
• 5–10 years in benefits or related field.
• Certifications preferred (CBP, CEBS, PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP).
• Strong knowledge of US benefits laws and compliance.
• Experience with 401(k), pension, and life insurance a plus.

Responsibilities

• Administer US benefits programs, processes, and systems.
• Plan, manage, and implement annual open enrollment.
• Coordinate with brokers for renewals and cost analysis.
• Ensure compliance with ERISA, HIPAA, ACA, and related rules.
• Develop communications for employees and management about benefits.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Written & verbal communication

Listening & influencing

MS Office

Excel

ADP & Workday

Benefits administration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in related discipline

Tools

ADP

Workday

Job description

The Sr. Benefit Specialist is a strategic role responsible for the overall design, analysis, and administration of the organizations US employee benefits to include, but not limited to health, dental, vision, life, STD & LTD, 401(K), pensions, wellness programs and ancillary benefits. In this role the Sr. Benefit Specialist will also be responsible for effectively partnering with senior management in maintaining positive relationships with consultants and providers while focusing on quality and accountability. Jointly the role will provide day to day guidance to employees and management regarding all aspects of benefits while ensuring high levels of customer service in a timely, accurate and effective manner.

Job Description

Administer all US benefits programs, processes, and systems. This includes group medical, dental, vision, life insurance, accidental death & dismemberment, disability, EAP, flexible accounts, pension plan, and 401(k) plan. Monitor effectiveness of programs and make recommendations on benefits enhancements and changes, model cost impact, improve processes and plan designs to reduce costs and increase efficiency. Plan, manage, and implement annual open enrollment process. Partner with insurance brokers to coordinate annual benefits contract renewals, monitor, and analyze the cost of benefits plans, assess utilization and cost drivers. Identify cost effective alternatives to delivering quality benefits plans. Assure company complies with all laws and regulations pertaining to benefits plans including ERISA, HIPAA, ACA, etc. Reviews and analyzes changes to state and federal laws pertaining to benefits and reports necessary or suggested changes to management. Regularly communicate and partner with HR Generalists on benefits plan changes, initiatives such as open enrollment or wellness programs related to the respective work sites. Prepare and execute, with legal consultation, benefits documentation, such as original and amended plan texts, benefit agreements and insurance policies. Coordinate and communicate health and wellness initiatives. Prepare and present communication materials to employees and former employees about benefit programs, procedures, changes, and government-mandated disclosures. Partner with senior manager on developing and communicating company policies pertaining to benefits. Manage timely and accurately invoice reconciliation and employee benefit records to always ensure accuracy and compliance. Assist in the development of union bargaining proposals for employee benefits and analyze union benefits demands. Obtain and prepare cost data for company and union proposals and final settlements. Monitor and evaluate HR and Payroll systems to ensure they adequately support benefits administration. Facilitate provider integrations to automate processes, improve access to information, and enable reporting and analytics. Handle benefits inquiries and complaints to ensure timely and effective resolution.

What will it take

• Bachelor’s degree in related discipline.
• 5-10 years in Benefits related field
• Certifications preferred (CBP, CEBS, PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP, or SHRM-SCP)
• Deep and current knowledge of compliance requirements and best practices related to US benefits plans (health and retirement)
• Strong experience with 401(k), pension, and life insurance plans a plus
• Experience with ADP and Workday systems strongly desired
• Strong Excel skills with proficiency in the use of functions and pivot tables

• Technologically savvy, excellent in MS Office (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint).

• Possesses strong interpersonal, written, oral communication, listening, and influencing skills.

Ability to travel 10%

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, Elementis does not discriminate in hiring or in the terms and conditions of employment because of an individual\'s race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, arrest record, citizenship or other category protected by federal, state or local laws. If you are an individual with a disability in need of assistance at any time during our recruitment process, please contact us at [e-mail]. Please note: This email is reserved for individuals with disabilities in need of assistance and is not a means of inquiry about positions or application status.